Let's Sit: Koeksister Bench

LOCAL CULTURE CAN ENRICH THE URBAN CONTEXT

Cool Capital commissioned 10 bespoke public benches as part of its Let’s Sit campaign.
The project was motivated by the belief that public spaces should be places for free and creative expression and that urban furniture could be used to activate spaces and inspire citizens to engage with each other and to reflect on their environment.
The benches were delivered without permission from authorities in a guerrilla pop-up fashion, and since its installation two years ago, all ten benches are loved and used by thousands of commuters, visitors and citizens. Two cardboard reproductions are exhibited.
The koeksister bench was inspired by a traditional confectionary typical of South African cuisine – the humble koeksister. Despite its apparent simplicity – it takes great skill to craft the perfect koeksister.
The faceted and sculptural form pays tribute to of late architect Zaha Hadid.